Search

Background and Objective: The SARS-CoV-2 vaccines of Sinopharm and Pfizer have been reported to vaccinate more than 7.3 billion people across the globe. However, the protection offered by these mRNA vaccines wanes with time, which is why the third dose of a different or same vaccine may become necessary. The objective of this study was to compare the levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the post-vaccination phase in the local population after two doses with Sinopharm and Pfizer vaccination. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Medical College and Institute of Dentistry, Lahore, Pakistan. A total of 100 adult participants who were completely vaccinated with either Sinopharm or Pfizer, at least 6 weeks before, were included in the study after taking informed consent. Blood samples were collected and SARS-COV-2 virus IgG antibody levels were estimated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The collected data were analyzed while taking a p value < 0.05 as significant. Results: The mean age of the participants was 20.18 ± 1.29 years. Mean antibody titers, six weeks post-vaccination were 5453.73 ± 609.15 units per milliliter (U/ml) and 10786.86 ± 1525.49 U/ml in Sinopharm and Pfizer groups, respectively. The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.0004). Conclusion: Antibody response was considerably higher in Pfizer-vaccinated individuals in comparison to Sinopharm in the local population from Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hemorrhage can occur as a consequence of innumerable conditions. It can lead to hemodynamic compromise and death unless treated promptly. Various traditional medicinal plants are being studied for their effects on hemostasis. Justicia adhatoda is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to control both external and internal bleeding such as peptic ulcers, piles, bleeding gums, and menorrhagia. Objective: The objective of this study was to observe the effect of Justicia adhatoda leaf extract on bleeding time in mice. Methods: An experimental study was conducted at PGMI, Lahore. Twenty Swiss albino mice were randomly divided to make four groups. Each group had five animals. Normal saline was administered to Group (I). Group (II) was given 50 mg/kg dose of leaf extract. Group (III) received 100 mg/kg dose of extract and Group (IV) was given 200 mg/kg dose of extract. One hour later, the tail was amputated after anesthetizing the animals. Bleeding time was estimated by gently placing Whatman filter paper on the edge of the incision every 30 seconds. The observation of no adherent blood was defined as bleeding time. Results: Bleeding time decreased in all the extract-treated groups. A maximum decrease was recorded in the group that received 200 mg/kg extract (1.9±1.03 minutes) versus normal control (6.H2.36 minutes), with p<0.01. Bleeding time decreased to 2.6±1.39 minutes with 100 mg/kg dose, withp<0.05. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, Justicia adhatoda leaf extract is effective in controlling excessive bleeding. However, further work needs to be performed to elucidate the underlying mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the effect of apple peel extract on serum IgG levels in corticosteroid induced immunosuppression in mice. Methodology: Twenty four Swiss albino mice were divided into four groups, with six animals in each group. Group A was given distilled water. Group B was given prednisolone 4 mg/kg, dissolved in distilled water. Group C and D received prednisolone, followed by 25 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg apple peel extract, respectively, half an hour later. All the doses were given orally as a single morning dose for 14 days. On 15th day, serum IgG levels were measured by mouse ELISA kit. Results: An increase in serum IgG levels was observed in both of the extract- treated groups. However, there was no significant difference between the low dose and high dose extract-treated groups. Conclusions: Apple peel extract has a stimulatory effect on humoral immunity and can be used in adjunct with other drugs in immunocompromised patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]